Recognizing our Finest: Master Sgt. Sullivan, guardian and mentor

  • Published
  • By Staff Reports
  • 459th ARW Public Affairs office
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  
In the Air Force Reserve, Master Sgt. Sullivan is a First Sergeant for the 459th Aerospace Medicine Squadron. His full-time employer is the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority Police where he is a manager in the Department's Counter Terrorism unit's Homeland Security Bureau. 

Sergeant Sullivan, who has worked in law enforcement for more than two decades, began his career at the age of 18 as a security policeman in the active Air Force. In 1998, he joined the 459th Air Refueling Wing as a reservist. When he joined there were no openings in the Security Forces Squadron, so Sergeant Sullivan, who wanted to serve regardless of the career field, became an aerial port specialist. 

Sergeant Sullivan has worked with WMATA since 1995, first as a patrol officer then later as a crime scene technician and commander of the communications division.
Sergeant Sullivan, who is eligible for military retirement this summer, said he couldn't think of a better way to leave end his career than to serve as a First Sergeant. 

"I wouldn't be where I am today if not for the NCO's who mentored me along the way," said Sergeant Sullivan. "Becoming a shirt has been a dream of mine ever since I was a young Airman." 

Sergeant Sullivan, a firm believer in education holds a Community College of the Air Force, bachelors and master's degree, all in criminal justice. He is currently pursuing his doctorate degree in public administration. The MTPD has an authorized strength of 420 sworn police officers, 106 security special police, and 24 civilian personnel. 

While Sergeant Sullivan is eligible for military retirement this summer, he says he won't be leaving the 459th anytime soon. After the completion of his PHD, Sullivan hopes to become a full-time teacher.